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To analyze the socio-economic characteristics of Mundu chilli farmers; To identify the key reasons and factors influencing the cultivation of Mundu chilli cultivation and the levels of awareness and adoption of Mundu chilli farmers. The study was conducted among Mundu chilli growers in Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu. A total of 150 Mundu chili growers were selected as respondents for the study, spread over 15 villages. The collected data were tabulated, classified, and further categorized for systematic statistical analysis. Keeping in view the objectives of the study and drawing logical inferences, statistical tools like frequency, percentage, and variables were computed through correlation coefficients. The study revealed that the majority of farmers were older, with high farming experience, but had limited training in chilli cultivation technologies. Farmers' awareness and adoption of cultivation practices were positively correlated with factors such as age (r = 0.731), farming experience (r = 0.622), and occupational status (r = 0.675). Cultural acceptance and traditions ranked highest as factors influencing Mundu chilli cultivation, followed by access to inputs and previous experience. The correlation analysis highlighted significant positive relationships between socio-economic factors and technology adoption, with older and more experienced farmers exhibiting higher awareness and adoption levels. The findings suggest that promoting training programs and increasing access to agricultural inputs could enhance the adoption of Mundu chilli cultivation technologies. Additionally, cultural factors play a critical role in farmers' decisions to cultivate this crop, emphasizing the need to integrate traditional practices with modern agricultural advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unraveling the intricate physiological and biochemical intricacies associated with female dominance in grape berries across diverse developmental stages is imperative for optimizing grape production and ensuring the attainment of high-quality yields. This study conducted a thorough analysis of grape berries across phenological stages (BBCH-79, BBCH-81, BBCH-89) and cultivars. At BBCH-89, Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki demonstrated the highest berry weight and total soluble solids (TSS) levels, emphasizing its enological potential. Acidity peaked at BBCH-79 (28.16) and declined at BBCH-89 (6.11), signaling a shift towards lower acidity in later stages. Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki consistently showed the highest maturity index (MI). Mineral content variations were observed across nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), with Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki often having the highest concentrations, particularly in potassium, calcium, and boron. Hormonal analysis revealed a significant surge in concentrations at BBCH-89, with Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki standing out. Notably, Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) concentrations increased by 106%, and abscisic acid (ABA) levels peaked at BBCH-79 with a 38% increase in Bozcaada Çavuşu*Kuntra. Sugar content analysis showed variations in fructose, glucose, sucrose, rhamnose, xylose, galactose, and arabinose levels across sampling times and cultivars. Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki consistently exhibited higher sugar levels, especially at BBCH-81 and BBCH-89. Vitamin concentrations varied temporally and among cultivars, with BBCH-89 displaying the highest vitamin A concentration (6.24 mg/100 g FW), and Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki often exhibiting maximum values for vitamin B1, B2, B6, and C. Further research and targeted cultivation practices focusing on the unique attributes of Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki could enhance grape production efficiency, emphasizing its potential contribution to achieving consistently high-quality yields across various phenological stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dates are the fruits of the date palm belonging to the Arecaceae family; they comprise over 2500 species and 200 genera and constitute an essential part of the daily diet worldwide, with beneficial nutritional, health, and economic values. Several varieties of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fruit exist globally, especially in hot and humid regions. This review is an overview of date palms as a significant global food resource, including their historical significance, nutritional composition, cultivation practices, economic importance, and health benefits. The historical journey of dates goes back to ancient civilizations where they were revered for their richness in essential nutrients and natural sweetness. Today, dates are a vital crop in arid regions, contributing substantially to the agricultural economy and livelihoods of communities. This paper further explores the cultivation techniques employed to enhance date production. Furthermore, the nutritional composition of dates is analyzed in detail, highlighting their high content of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, and antioxidants. These attributes make dates a delicious treat and a valuable nutritional component, offering numerous health benefits. The potential health effects, including improved digestion, enhanced cardiovascular health, and increased energy levels, are discussed. Additionally, this paper delves into the economic significance of the date industry and its global trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the influence of genotype (G), environment (E), and their interaction (G × E) on the content of total free phenolic compounds (TPC) and the antioxidant capacity (AC) was investigated, using sixteen durum wheat genotypes cultivated under seven crop management systems in Mediterranean environments. Possible correlations between TPC and AC with protein content (PC) and vitreous kernel percentage (VKP) were examined. Gs that exhibited stability across diverse conditions were studied through a comprehensive exploration of G × E interaction using a GGE biplot, Pi, and R. The results indicated significant impacts of E, G, and G × E on both TPC and AC. Across E, the mean values of G for TPC, ABTS (2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) values were 48.8 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/100 g, 121.3 mg TE/100 g, 23.0 mg TE/100 g, and 88.4 mg TE/100 g, respectively. E, subjected to splitting top-dressing N fertilization, consistently showed low values, while the late-sowing ones possessed high values. Organic crop management maintained a stable position in the middle across all measurements. The predominant influence was attributed to G × E, as indicated by the order G × E > E > G for ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP, while for TPC, it was E > G × E > G. For TPC, the superior Gs included G5, G7 and G10, for ABTS included G3, G5 and G7, and for protein included G1, G9, and G16. G7 and G5 had a high presence of frequency, with G7 being the closest genotype to the ideal for both TPC and ABTS. These results suggest that the sowing time, nitrogen fertilization, and application method significantly impact the various antioxidant properties of durum wheat. This study holds significant importance as it represents one of the few comprehensive explorations of the impact of various Es, Gs, and their interactions on the TPC and AC in durum wheat, with a special emphasis on crop management and superior Gs possessing stable and high TPC and AC among them, explored by GGE biplot, Pi and R. Further experimentation, considering the effect of the cultivation year, is necessary, to establish more robust and stable conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In anthropized sites, the establishment and management of sustainable and nature-based wildflower meadow solutions exclude fertilization, weeding, and watering, and reduce the frequency of mowing. Once such inputs have been reduced, the ecosystem services generated by the vegetation result in an increase in biodiversity in terms of plant and animal species, an improvement in soil quality and biota, the mitigation of air pollutants and carbon sequestration, as well as a reduction in soil temperature. Environmental education and citizen science are also some of the benefits of this type of vegetation, especially in urban areas. Herbaceous meadow-like communities, which are composed of forbs only or a combination of graminoid and forb species, are usually established by sowing. The seeds are available for purchase from specialized seed producers as single species or in a mix, some companies offer mixes composed of garden species with botanical species. Donor meadows are the sources of the genetic material and the template to reproduce the meadow herbaceous community at different sites through seed harvest, hay harvest, and the displacement of soil with its seed bank. Management techniques, such as soil preparation, determining the appropriate sowing and mowing time, can help in establishing and maintaining the most desirable species. The suspension of urban turf mowing allows the growth of the natural seed bank, which in unproductive soils facilitates the appearance of many pollinator-friendly herbaceous species. With the appropriate pedological conditions and management, the natural urban herbaceous vegetation thus provides beautiful and rich plant communities, which are also easy to maintain. This review identifies the best practices through a qualitative selection of case studies related to the various methods to establish wildflower meadows in the urban infrastructure and the main constraints such as the lack of a suitable seed market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review of the Dark Emu debate we start out by summarising Bruce Pascoe's original work and Peter Sutton and Keryn Walshe's critique. However, the majority of this contribution is to place this Australian-focussed debate into broader conceptual, methodological and evidential contexts generally associated with the investigation of early agriculture in other parts of the world. If we are to apply the term "agriculture" to Aboriginal plant management practices, then this requires a global, rather than a continental-centric comparative perspective. We argue debates regarding the character of plant exploitation practices on the Australian mainland, including whether they included forms of agriculture or experimental horticulture, have been hindered by a lack of terminological clarity, the absence of a methodological framework to assess empirically verifiable evidence, and - even more problematically - a lack of relevant data on the putative plants and practices involved. Here, terminology is clarified and a bottom-up, practice-based method is advocated for the assessment of recent (using oral, visual and written histories) and ancient (using archaeological, archaeobotanical and palaeoecological evidence) forms of food plant exploitation in Australia. The terminology and methodological framework are heuristically applied to three scenarios: (1) ethnographic and historical records for the exploitation of underground storage organs (USOs) on the Australian mainland; (2) historical documentation regarding the botany, potential human roles in dispersal, and Aboriginal exploitation of banana (Musa spp.), taro (Colocasia esculenta) and greater yam (Dioscorea alata) in northern Australia and (3) archaeobotanical evidence for the exploitation of USOs and other plants from The Top End. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different cultivation practices affect both rice yield and GHG emissions. In this study, GHG emissions, environmental factors, and soil factors on an annual scale for four common single-season rice-cultivation methods were monitored and the direct and indirect drivers of GHG emissions were analysed. The results showed that there were significant differences in the average soil temperature, water content and dissolved oxygen content for the different methods used, but not in terms of the NH4+-N and NO3--N content. The highest average methane flux was obtained using the waterlogging in the non-rice season with straw return mode method (4.20±0.16 mg m-2 h-1), which was a significantly higher result than that produced by the other methods. The main factors influencing CH4 emissions was atmospheric temperature for waterlogging in the non-rice season with straw return and crayfish farming, NO3--N for waterlogging in the non-rice season without straw return, NO3--N, and NH4+-N for waterlogging in the non-rice season with straw return, and NO3--N, NH4+-N, and soil water for non-rice season with straw return. The average fluxes of both CO2 and N2O were highest with the drainage in the non-rice season with straw return treatment, but the differences between the treatments were not significant. None of the factors that were determined had a significant direct effect on CO2 emissions under either cropping system. The main factors affecting N2O emission were NH4+-N and NO3--N in the WSC treatment, NH4+-N in the waterlogging in the non-rice season without straw return treatment, and NH4+-N, NO3--N, and dissolved oxygen content in the drainage in the non-rice season with straw return treatment. The results obtained have the potential to form an important basis for the establishment of agronomic measures to reduce and control GHG emissions from rice fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid rice technology is crucial for securing the food security of the burgeoning population of India. The study carried out in 2021 aims to assess the knowledge level of farmers regarding hybrid rice technology. Three specifically chosen sub-divisions of Jammu District; Marh, Akhnoor, and R.S. Pura, having the cultivation of hybrid rice and using the proportionate and purposive random techniques 38 from R.S. Pura, 13 from Akhnoor and 99 respondents from Marh, making a total sample size of 150 hybrid rice growers. A standardized knowledge test with reliability 0.86, was developed for assessing the knowledge level of hybrid rice growers. The Cube root method was applied to devise different knowledge categories of hybrid rice growers, which varied from medium to high. According to the results of the ANOVA test, there was no discernible difference between the knowledge levels of hybrid rice growers in the three sub-divisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unraveling the intricate physiological and biochemical intricacies associated with female dominance in grape berries across diverse developmental stages is imperative for optimizing grape production and ensuring the attainment of high-quality yields. This study conducted a thorough analysis of grape berries across phenological stages (BBCH-79, BBCH-81, BBCH-89) and cultivars. At BBCH-89, Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki demonstrated the highest berry weight and total soluble solids (TSS) levels, emphasizing its enological potential. Acidity peaked at BBCH-79 (28.16) and declined at BBCH-89 (6.11), signaling a shift towards lower acidity in later stages. Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki consistently showed the highest maturity index (MI). Mineral content variations were observed across nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), with Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki often having the highest concentrations, particularly in potassium, calcium, and boron. Hormonal analysis revealed a significant surge in concentrations at BBCH-89, with Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki standing out. Notably, Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) concentrations increased by 106%, and abscisic acid (ABA) levels peaked at BBCH-79 with a 38% increase in Bozcaada Çavuşu*Kuntra. Sugar content analysis showed variations in fructose, glucose, sucrose, rhamnose, xylose, galactose, and arabinose levels across sampling times and cultivars. Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki consistently exhibited higher sugar levels, especially at BBCH-81 and BBCH-89. Vitamin concentrations varied temporally and among cultivars, with BBCH-89 displaying the highest vitamin A concentration (6.24 mg/100 g FW), and Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki often exhibiting maximum values for vitamin B1, B2, B6, and C. Further research and targeted cultivation practices focusing on the unique attributes of Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki could enhance grape production efficiency, emphasizing its potential contribution to achieving consistently high-quality yields across various phenological stages.

Water shortage continues to threaten the productivity of rapeseed in China dry-land planting system of china. There is an urgent need to build up efficient water saving management practices. Therefore, the field experiment was conducted by using a randomized complete black design with three replications under two cultivation practices: RF: ridge-furrow rainwater collection system, and CP: conventional flat planting; with four different mulching materials, such as plastic film mulching (PM); biodegradable film mulching (BM); straw mulch (SM) and no mulch (NM) were used in this study. We found that under different mulching materials, cultivation practices have a considerable effect on rainwater collection and improvement of soil water storage. Under the RF-PM and RF-BM treatments can considerably improve rapeseed photosynthesis (Pn, 54.1%), ETR (50.9%), ΦpsII (38.4%), the maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm, 8.9%), Fv/Fo (25.7%) and Fv/Fm′ (26.1%), at the bolting, flowering and seed filling stage. These enhancements were attributed to the significant increase in soil water storage, total chlorophyll ab (59.4%), and chlorophyll stability index, as well as the decrease in evapotranspiration (ET, 3.9%), all of which improved water use efficiency (WUE, 28.0%), cuticular wax composition, grain yield (25.2%) and economic return (10459 Yuan ha−1) of rapeseed. These results showed that the RF planting practice using PM mulching materials is the best water-saving management practice to improve rapeseed photosynthesis, fluorescence, cuticular wax composition, WUE, and productivity in dry-land agricultural systems.

The Lamiaceae family is of great diversity and variety, with a cosmopolitan distribution. Plants in this family are characterized by verticillaster inflorescence, two-lipped open-mouthed tubular corolla, opposite decussate leaves, quadrangular stem, etc. Most of the species belonging to the family are aromatic and possess essential oils. Origanum vulgare L., also known as Vantulsi or Badri tulsi, is an important herb that is commonly used for it's aromatic properties. Oregano's leaves and flowering parts contain essential oil glands that produce volatile oil, which is what gives the plant its fragrance. Carvacrol and/or thymol make up the majority of the essential oil of Oregano, with γ-terpenine, p-cymene, linalool, terpenine 4-ol, and sabinene hydrate. These constituents are primarily responsible for the oil's antiviral, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, anticoagulant, and energetic action properties. In this review article, we shed light on the origin, distribution, botanical description, cytological and breeding studies, essential oil and its constituents, biological activities, cultivation practices and therapeutic values of Origanum vulgare L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dates are the fruits of the date palm belonging to the Arecaceae family; they comprise over 2500 species and 200 genera and constitute an essential part of the daily diet worldwide, with beneficial nutritional, health, and economic values. Several varieties of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fruit exist globally, especially in hot and humid regions. This review is an overview of date palms as a significant global food resource, including their historical significance, nutritional composition, cultivation practices, economic importance, and health benefits. The historical journey of dates goes back to ancient civilizations where they were revered for their richness in essential nutrients and natural sweetness. Today, dates are a vital crop in arid regions, contributing substantially to the agricultural economy and livelihoods of communities. This paper further explores the cultivation techniques employed to enhance date production. Furthermore, the nutritional composition of dates is analyzed in detail, highlighting their high content of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, and antioxidants. These attributes make dates a delicious treat and a valuable nutritional component, offering numerous health benefits. The potential health effects, including improved digestion, enhanced cardiovascular health, and increased energy levels, are discussed. Additionally, this paper delves into the economic significance of the date industry and its global trade.

【Objective】 One constraint in agricultural production in many regions of China is the imbalance between the dwindling water resources and the increasing demand of different sectors for it. Implementing saving-water irrigation to partly thirst the crops without compromising their yields is one of many solutions. Taking japonica rice as an example, this paper is to investigate the response of its growth traits and yield to change in irrigation and cultivation. 【Method】 The experiment was conducted in lysimeters and compared three irrigations: deep wetting irrigation (SR), controlled irrigation (KZ) and shallow wet irrigation (QS). For each irrigation, there were two cultivations: direct seed drilling in water (SZB) and direct dry seed drilling (HZB), with traditional transplant cultivation used as the control. In each treatment, we measured the growth traits, water consumption, yield and yield components of the crop. 【Result】 When the seed drilling was the same, KZ was most effective in terms of tillering, water consumption and grain yield; its water productivity was comparable to that of SR - the optimal irrigation giving the highest yield. Compared to KZ, QS increased water consumption by 19.90%, reduced yield and water productivity by 4.22% and 20.11% respectively. SR was least effective in tillering, despite leading to higher plant height than KZ; it had the lowest water consumption and highest water productivity, but its yield was much lower than that of KZ and QS. When the irrigation method was the same, the direct seed drilling delayed crop growth in the initial stage compared to the control, but this can be compensated for in the middle-late tillering stage, especially SZB whose tiller numbers were approximately the same as that of the control. Under the same irrigation, the yield of direct seeding was lower than that of the control, especially HZB. Compared with the control, under different irrigation methods the yield of SZB was higher than that of SR and its water productivity was higher than that of QS. There was a little difference in water consumption between the two seed drilling methods when the irrigation method was the same. Comparative analysis showed that, on average, SZB was superior to HZB. 【Conclusion】 In terms of irrigation, controlled irrigation was most effective in saving water use of the japonica rice, followed by the shallow wet irrigation. In terms of cultivation, transplant had the highest yield regardless of the irrigation methods.

Characterisation of the strawberry (fragaria vesca) growing system in the peri-urban areas of the city of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Burkina Faso is one of the main strawberry producing countries in West Africa. Cultivated in the provinces of Kadiogo, Houet and Boulgou, it is a speciality of the country. However, this crop does not benefit from technical support from research structures. Today, with the economic growth of West African countries, its demand could therefore increase. This study, conducted on the Boulmiougou site, aimed to characterise the strawberry cultivation system in order to improve knowledge of the species and highlight its potential. To this end, a survey was conducted among 31 strawberry producers. The results of the study indicate that the current knowledge of strawberry cultivation is based on many years of experience of the producers. Indeed, the cultivation practices adopted do not follow any established technical itinerary with derisory means of production. Strawberry cultivation is not very widespread and is practised on the edges of the lowlands, on an average area of 0.24 ha per producer. Its production is limited because its clientele is restricted to the wealthy classes.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important crop cultivated for its grains, which demand is constantly increasing in Africa. In Benin, sesame is produced on a small area despite its high economic potential. The overall objective of this study was to reinforce local knowledge (cultural methods) related to the management of different Sesamum indicum cultivars in Benin's Agro-ecological Zone IV. A total of 273 producers were surveyed using the non-probabilistic snowball method supported by systematic census. The typological analysis consisted of a Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and a Hierarchical Ascending Classification (HAC) using RGui.4.1.0 software. The result of the MCA revealed four types of sesame production systems based on several variables. The characterization of the producers of each production system according to the townships showed that there was a dependency relationship between the production systems and the townships. 100% of producers in the township of Cobly used the traditional production system (Type IV). 94.7% of producers in Matéri township practiced the modern production system (Type I). The different cultural methods for sesame production varied from one ethnic group to another. The Wama and Mossi ethnic groups practiced the modern semi-intensive production method (Type II). The conservative production system (Type III) was specific to the Ditamari. 61.8% Farmers planted sesame in August and 56.1% farmers harvested in October. Only 0.6% of respondents applied mineral fertilizer for sesame production. The number of cultivars used per village varied from 2 to 4 with an average of 2 over the entire study area. Toucountouna and Matéri had the most diversity with the largest number of cultivars (03) each. Only 1 cultivar was obtained Tanguieta. Sesame processing is low throughout the study area. Sesame cultivation can be intensified because of its low production costs.

In recent years, new data on the diversity of genera and species in the phylum Glomeromycota continue to be added and rearranged. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are key to plant nutrition and agriculture. Studies report different short- and long-term cultivation practices that influence the abundance and diversity of Glomeromycota. To the best of our knowledge, there are no known studies of the fungal communities in the fine aroma cocoa cultivars. In this context, our work aims to discover the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizae associated with two cocoa cultivation practices (conservative and semi-conservative) through the isolation of spores using microscopy and metabarcoding of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS). Morphological analysis showed that the density of Glomeromycota spores exhibited significant differences between production systems. Although the metabarcoding analysis showed that diversity indices showed a higher increase in the roots than in the cocoa soil, independently of the cultivation practice. An abundance of 348 and 114 taxa were observed, corresponding to the conservative and semi-conservative practices, respectively. Seven genera were observed for the first time in cocoa crop agroforestry systems, including P. scintillans, R. diaphanus, R. fasciculatus, R. custos, D. disticha, M. perpusilla, and D. bernensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burkina Faso is one of the main strawberry producing countries in West Africa. Cultivated in the provinces of Kadiogo, Houet and Boulgou, it is a speciality of the country. However, this crop does not benefit from technical support from research structures. Today, with the economic growth of West African countries, its demand could therefore increase. This study, conducted on the Boulmiougou site, aimed to characterise the strawberry cultivation system in order to improve knowledge of the species and highlight its potential. To this end, a survey was conducted among 31 strawberry producers. The results of the study indicate that the current knowledge of strawberry cultivation is based on many years of experience of the producers. Indeed, the cultivation practices adopted do not follow any established technical itinerary with derisory means of production. Strawberry cultivation is not very widespread and is practised on the edges of the lowlands, on an average area of 0.24 ha per producer. Its production is limited because its clientele is restricted to the wealthy classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Climate change and energy security promote using renewable sources of energy such as biofuels. High woody biomass production achieved from short‐rotation intensive plantations is a strategy that is increasing in many parts of the world. However, broad expansion of bioenergy feedstock production may have significant environmental consequences. This study investigates the watershed‐scale hydrological impacts of Eucalyptus (E. grandis) plantations for energy production in a humid subtropical watershed in Entre Rios province, Argentina. A Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was calibrated and validated for streamflow, leaf area index (LAI), and biomass production cycles. The model was used to simulate various Eucalyptus plantation scenarios that followed physically based rules for land use conversion (in various extents and locations in the watershed) to study hydrological effects, biomass production, and the green water footprint of energy production. SWAT simulations indicated that the most limiting factor for plant growth was shallow soils causing seasonal water stress. This resulted in a wide range of biomass productivity throughout the watershed. An optimization algorithm was developed to find the best location for Eucalyptus development regarding highest productivity with least water impact. E. grandis plantations had higher evapotranspiration rates compared to existing terrestrial land cover classes; therefore, intensive land use conversion to E. grandis caused a decline in streamflow, with January through March being the most affected months. October was the least‐affected month hydrologically, since high rainfall rates overcame the canopy interception and higher ET rates of E. grandis in this month. Results indicate that, on average, producing 1 kg of biomass in this region uses 0.8 m3 of water, and the green water footprint of producing 1 m3 fuel is approximately 2150 m3 water, or 57 m3 water per GJ of energy, which is lower than reported values for wood‐based ethanol, sugar cane ethanol, and soybean biodiesel.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) provide benefits to most crop species via enhanced nutrient uptake, increased drought and abiotic stress resistance, and reduced effects of pathogens and pests. Much remains unclear regarding the specific mechanisms influencing these processes, and the critical roles of AMF are often overlooked in planning agroecological systems. There is growing consensus, however, around the important roles AMF play in improving plant resilience and crop yield while also enhancing the functioning of soil microbial communities. Heterogeneous practices across all scales complicate the successful integration of AMF in agroecological systems. AMF symbioses with crops are passive, or stimulated by incorporation of crop wastes in soil, soil inoculation with AMF spores, or the planting inoculated of seeds. Here we suggest that AMF can have highest beneficial impacts in areas with low levels of agrochemical inputs. We argue that areas with intensive agrochemical inputs can also be made more sustainable with AMF enhancements.

In South Africa, environmentally and socio-economically sustainable wine grape production is promoted by governmental and private initiatives. All the initiatives contribute to establishing a scientifically based response strategy of agro-systems to ensure sustainable production under future expected climate conditions. South African wine grape producers would probably have to cultivate their grapevines under higher atmospheric CO2 levels and in warmer, mostly drier, conditions. Due to the projected increase in climatic variability, an effort must be made to improve the resilience of vines against these environmental conditions. Whole-vine functioning and balances should be considered when adjustments are made to current long and short term cultivation practices. All practices should be aimed at promoting the development of a deep, dense and buffered root system that is able to support a well-developed canopy with optimal microclimate that would sustain a high yield of good quality. Mitigation and adaptation strategies would most likely have to be region specific, and small scale terroir data, (which should include both climate and terrain/soil information) may play a critical role in decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Precision agriculture techniques have been increasingly adopted worldwide to optimize cultivation practices and achieve sustainable crop production. In this study, we developed a Machine Learning approach to identify optimal cultivation practices for sustainable apple production in precision agriculture in the Msemrir town Morocco. We collected a dataset of cultivation practices and apple yield and size data from 10 farms in the town and used correlation-based feature selection and three Machine Learning algorithms (Linear Regression, Decision Tree, and Random Forest) to develop predictive models. The results showed that irrigation, fertilization, and pruning are the most important cultivation practices for apple production in the region, and the Random Forest model performed the best in predicting apple yield and size based on the selected practices. The use of Machine Learning techniques can help farmers optimize cultivation practices and achieve sustainable apple production by reducing inputs such as water and fertilizer and minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, the use of precision agriculture techniques can help farmers meet consumer demand for sustainable and high-quality apple products.

Understanding the greenhouse gas emissions mechanism from the agricultural soils is essential to reach an agricultural system with a lower impact on the environment. The cultivation practices in combination with deficit irrigation have been used in a dry-land farming system to modify the soil water status. However, few research works have been focused on plastic film with deficit irrigation regimes on global warming potential (GWP), greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI), and biomass productivity under simulated rainfall conditions. In the current study, a 2-year study was carried out in a rainproof mobile shelter to study the potential role of two cultivation practices (i.e., furrow with plastic mulching on ridges, RF; and conventional flat cultivation, TF) in combination with two deficit irrigation regimes (i.e., 150 and 75 mm) and three simulated rainfall (i.e., 1, 275 mm; 2, 200 mm; and 3, 125 mm).. We found that RF2150 treatment was more effective in improving the soil water content, soil respiration rate, and winter wheat production and significantly reduced (39.2%) the GHGI and GWP than TF2150 treatment. The RF2150 treatment improved soil moisture and significantly increased (18.9%) grain yield, (11.1%) biomass, (75.8%) WUEg, and (64.1%) WUEb of winter wheat and largely mitigated GWP and GHGI. The RF system with 150-mm deficit irrigation regime plays a significant role in increasing the biomass productivity and soil respiration rate and minimizing the seasonal greenhouse gas fluxes, GHGI, and field ET rates under 200-mm precipitation condition. Compared with TF practice, the plastic film mulching on ridges and furrow on the planting zone could significantly improve biomass and WUE and reduce N2O, CO2, and CH4 emissions. The RF2150 treatment should be very good water-saving approach and a powerful tool to decrease GHGI and GWP via increased biomass, WUE, soil respiration rate, and wheat yields under a dry-land farming system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of four different cropping management practices in plastic shed soils and open-field soils under organic cultivation or conventional cultivation on soil biodiversity and functions. Soils under plastic sheds and open-field were sampled in Beijing, China, in areas where organic cultivation had been conducted for 5 years and conventional cultivation had also been employed. The results showed that plastic shed production resulted in lower soil bacterial richness and diversity than open-field but higher soil mesofaunal Shannon diversity and Pielou’s species evenness indexes. Plastic shed production decreased soil urease and phosphate activities compared to open-field under conventional cultivation. Organic cultivation resulted in higher soil urease, phosphatase and catalase activities than conventional cultivation except for soil urease activity in open soil. Plastic shed soils exhibited significantly higher soil electric conductivity (EC) and NO3-N contents than open-field soils only under conventional cultivation. By contrast, organic cultivation decreased soil EC and nitrate contents compared to conventional cultivation in plastic shed soils. Organic cultivation resulted in higher soil bacterial OTU, Shannon diversity, Chao1 and ACE indexes than conventional cultivation, but significant differences were observed in the open-field soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and energy security promote using renewable sources of energy such as biofuels. High woody biomass production achieved from short‐rotation intensive plantations is a strategy that is increasing in many parts of the world. However, broad expansion of bioenergy feedstock production may have significant environmental consequences. This study investigates the watershed‐scale hydrological impacts of Eucalyptus (E. grandis) plantations for energy production in a humid subtropical watershed in Entre Rios province, Argentina. A Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was calibrated and validated for streamflow, leaf area index (LAI), and biomass production cycles. The model was used to simulate various Eucalyptus plantation scenarios that followed physically based rules for land use conversion (in various extents and locations in the watershed) to study hydrological effects, biomass production, and the green water footprint of energy production. SWAT simulations indicated that the most limiting factor for plant growth was shallow soils causing seasonal water stress. This resulted in a wide range of biomass productivity throughout the watershed. An optimization algorithm was developed to find the best location for Eucalyptus development regarding highest productivity with least water impact. E. grandis plantations had higher evapotranspiration rates compared to existing terrestrial land cover classes; therefore, intensive land use conversion to E. grandis caused a decline in streamflow, with January through March being the most affected months. October was the least‐affected month hydrologically, since high rainfall rates overcame the canopy interception and higher ET rates of E. grandis in this month. Results indicate that, on average, producing 1 kg of biomass in this region uses 0.8 m3 of water, and the green water footprint of producing 1 m3 fuel is approximately 2150 m3 water, or 57 m3 water per GJ of energy, which is lower than reported values for wood‐based ethanol, sugar cane ethanol, and soybean biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera (moringa) trees excel mainly in tropical and sub-tropical regions and are known to thrive in a wide range of soil types. The recent rise in moringa production in various agro-ecological zones of South Africa could be attributed to its multiple benefits, including nutritional and medicinal properties. Since its introduction as a cultivated crop, there has been a growing interest from farmers, researchers and government on various aspects of the tree such as its morphology, chemistry, growing conditions, production, processing and utilisation. We reviewed the work done on moringa within the South African context in terms of production, growing conditions and cultivation practices. The involvement of government departments on moringa-oriented activities and its consumption as food were also reviewed. In addition, gaps were outlined on its utilisation that need to be addressed, and recommendations provided on what could be done to ensure successful production of moringa in South Africa. Significance: • This review highlights moringa research that has been done on growing conditions, production and human consumption in South Africa. • The review further addresses the potential commercialisation of moringa and existing knowledge gaps.

Moringa oleifera (moringa) trees excel mainly in tropical and sub-tropical regions and are known to thrive in a wide range of soil types. The recent rise in moringa production in various agro-ecological zones of South Africa could be attributed to its multiple benefits, including nutritional and medicinal properties. Since its introduction as a cultivated crop, there has been a growing interest from farmers, researchers and government on various aspects of the tree such as its morphology, chemistry, growing conditions, production, processing and utilisation. We reviewed the work done on moringa within the South African context in terms of production, growing conditions and cultivation practices. The involvement of government departments on moringa-oriented activities and its consumption as food were also reviewed. In addition, gaps were outlined on its utilisation that need to be addressed, and recommendations provided on what could be done to ensure successful production of moringa in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Better understanding of soil water storage and photosynthetic regulation of maize production will be useful to develop a water-saving strategy in rain-fed conditions. Therefore, maize crop was grown under the different cultivation practices for analyzed light and CO2-response curves under various mulching strategies during 2017–2018 years. Six different treatments were used such as the following: PP, ridges and furrows zone covered with plastic film mulching; PS, ridges covered with plastic film and furrows zone with stalk mulching; PN, ridges covered with plastic film and furrows zone without mulching; TP, conventional flat planting with plastic film mulching; TS, conventional flat planting with stalk mulching; and TN, conventional flat planting without mulching. The PP treatment had considerable effects on rainwater collection, improved SWS, and maize productivity than that of TP treatment. Significantly increase of SWS was observed under the PP treatment as a result photosynthetic capacity (An) improved under light and CO2-response curves, apparent quantum efficiency (α), respiration rate, total chlorophyll ab content, and 13C-photosynthates distribution in different organs. Under the PP and TP treatments, the maize might keep a great photosynthetic capacity at the post-flowering stage through improving An, LAI, soluble protein, Rubisco contents, and grain yield. The CO2 and light-response curves were significantly enhanced at the PP treatment due to higher 13C carbon isotope (Δ‰) and Ci/Ca as a result lower bundle sheath to leakiness of CO2 (ɸ) compared with the rest of all treatments. The results suggested that PP cultivation practice was the best water-saving strategy because it reduced bundle sheath leakiness to CO2 (ɸ); as a result there's a significant improvement in soil water storage, LAI, 13C-photosynthates distribution, photosynthetic capacity parameters, and maize production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing agricultural production and productivity is the most important strategy in fostering critical capital shortage and enhancing economic growth and poverty reduction in Ethiopia. Spices, being a cash crop, have an immense potential for countries economic development through improving smallholder farmers, creation and expansion of employment opportunities and distribution of income and foreign exchange earnings. The diverse agro ecology, abundant cultivable land and cheap labor, proximity to the potential export market and favorable policy environment supports growing a wide variety of spice crops in Ethiopia. Pepper, ginger, turmeric, black cumin and korarima are the leading spices crops cultivated in Ethiopia. Even though, there is potential to produce and export spice crops, Ethiopia could not boost production and quality and hence, could not be competitor in the world spices market. Cultivation practices and techniques being practiced by smallholder farmers is not improved and more of traditional. Postharvest handling practices are also one of the concerns of spices growers in Ethiopia as most of the fresh harvested spices crops contained high amount of moisture, highly perishable and susceptible to microbial attack. Injudicious harvest and inappropriate postharvest handling practices may be potential threat for low quality. It is so important to know the existing cultivation and postharvest handling practices and constraints of major spices to increase production and productivity and quality thereby increasing profitability for growers. Therefore, by using and adhering to the improved cultivation and postharvest handling practices it is possible to boost production and reduce postharvest losses within a limited period.

Developing agricultural production and productivity is the most important strategy in fostering critical capital shortage and enhancing economic growth and poverty reduction in Ethiopia. Spices, being a cash crop, have an immense potential for countries economic development through improving smallholder farmers, creation and expansion of employment opportunities and distribution of income and foreign exchange earnings. The diverse agro ecology, abundant cultivable land and cheap labor, proximity to the potential export market and favorable policy environment supports growing a wide variety of spice crops in Ethiopia. Pepper, ginger, turmeric, black cumin and korarima are the leading spices crops cultivated in Ethiopia. Even though, there is potential to produce and export spice crops, Ethiopia could not boost production and quality and hence, could not be competitor in the world spices market. Cultivation practices and techniques being practiced by smallholder farmers is not improved and more of traditional. Postharvest handling practices are also one of the concerns of spices growers in Ethiopia as most of the fresh harvested spices crops contained high amount of moisture, highly perishable and susceptible to microbial attack. Injudicious harvest and inappropriate postharvest handling practices may be potential threat for low quality. It is so important to know the existing cultivation and postharvest handling practices and constraints of major spices to increase production and productivity and quality thereby increasing profitability for growers. Therefore, by using and adhering to the improved cultivation and postharvest handling practices it is possible to boost production and reduce postharvest losses within a limited period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rye (Secale cereale ssp. cereale L.) is a secondary domesticate, considered to have originated as a weed in wheat fields and to have developed traits of domestication by evolving similar physiological and morphological characteristics to those of wheat. Although it migrated into Europe as a weed possessing domestication traits, it became one of the most significant crops grown in large parts of Europe from the medieval period onward. Within the modern borders of Germany, rye was grown using at least two divergent cultivation practices: eternal rye monoculture and three-field rotation. The straw of rye was used to produce Wellerhölzer, which are construction components in traditional half-timbered houses that have enabled a desiccated preservation of the plant remains. In order to assess the impact of cultivation practices, local environmental conditions and genetic variation on the genetic diversification of rye, we seek to integrate well-established archaeobotanical methods with aDNA sequencing of desiccated plant remains obtained from Wellerhölzer from Germany. In the current contribution, we present a proof of concept, based on the analysis of plant remains from a Wellerholz from the Old Town Hall of Göttingen. We use arable weed ecology to reconstruct cultivation practices and local environmental conditions and present a phylogenetic analysis based on targeted loci of the chloroplast and nuclear genome. Our results emphasise that the study of desiccated remains of plants from Wellerhölzer offer a unique opportunity for an integration of archaeobotanical reconstructions of cultivation practices and local environment and the sequencing of aDNA.

Soil microbial functional diversity under maize grown in different agricultural management practices was determined using the Biolog EcoPlates and other microbial and biochemical methods. Comparisons of substrate utilization and the diversity indices showed differences in community composition of microorganisms related to different cultivation techniques and seasons. The soil samples collected in spring were characterized by statistically significant lower indices of biological activity in comparison to the soil collected from the flowering stage of maize. The soils collected in spring from the plots with full tillage had a similarly high biological activity as the soils obtained from maize flowering season. The principal component of PC analysis, showed the strong correlation between the parameters of soil quality and biodiversity indicators. Selected indicators of soil microbial diversity explained 71.51% of biological variability in soils. Based on the PC analysis, two major groups of soils have been indicated. Management practices and seasons were two important factors affecting soil microbial communities.

In an agricultural country like India, training of farmers is a laborious task and requires a heavy investment in training infrastructure to reach most of the farmers on a regular basis. Trainings are conducted in Krishi Vigyan Kendras(KVKs) at various levels for which the programmes are designed based on the farmers problems their needs and interests. Altogether, 300 respondents were selected for the study through random sampling method to assess the effectiveness of trainings imparted by a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). Majority of the trainees were having medium level of adoption of recommended technologies followed by low level and high levels of adoption of recommended crop cultivation practices in major crops.

A disorder of sweetpotato, characterised by abnormal brown colouration inside the storage root, began to occur around 2006. The aims of the present study are to test our previous hypothesis that IB disorder occurs due excessive starch synthesis inside the storage root at the maturation stage and to present a technique for inhibiting IB disorder based on experimental findings. The severity of internal browning (IB) disorder in sweetpotato was greater when larger root biomass was achieved by vigorous top growth through increased basal fertiliser application. In contrast, suppression of root growth by defoliation at the early stage of root maturation and/or through shading during the maturation stage was correlated with marked suppression of IB disorder. Expression profiling of genes involved in starch synthesis and starch grain distribution around secondary vascular tissue were examined for shading treatment samples. Transcription levels of genes related to starch synthesis were decreased in the shade treatment. Further, the starch grain content as an area percent in the cells was reduced through shade treatment. These observations suggest that the occurrence of IB disorder is largely affected by the degree of activation of starch synthesis utilising sugar transported to the root. Abbreviations: IB: internal browning; DAP: days after planting; T/R: top/root; rbt: ratio of browned to total tissue [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal and aromatic plants represent a stable part of the natural biodiversity legacy of many countries in the world. The present review focuses on oregano (Origanum vulgare L.; family Lamiaceae), an endemic herb in Greece that constitutes one of the best known aromatic and medicinal plants originating in the Mediterranean region. In particular, oregano is an evergreen, rich in natural compounds perennial plant that received increased attention in the last years for a wide range of uses. Oregano dry leaves and inflorescences in mixture are used as human and animal food that is extremely rich in antioxidative properties. Additionally, its essential oil is rich in carvacrol, thymol, c-terpinene and p-cymene, and is used for a number of medicinal purposes, e.g. for inhibiting microbial and fungal toxin production as well as for the well-known anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiarthritic, antiallergic, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Due to its perfect quality and high essential oil concentration, Greek oregano (O. vulgare ssp. hirtum) is regarded among the best in the world gaining in popularity in the global markets for food industry applications. Consequently, oregano might be considered as an important low-input, environmental friendly commodity for extensive cultivation in Greece. The present review summarizes on the origin, the morphology, the ecology and the utilization of this plant. Despite the extensive literature available on the use of oregano biomass and essential oil, only few reports exist concerning the cultivation of this plant. Therefore, the present review is additionally focused on the cultivation practices and the importance of cultivation and utilization of Origanum vulgare L. in Greece and generally in the Mediterranean region in the near future, as it constitutes a plant species with high medical, economic and environmental value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tradeoffs between biomass production, hydrologic alteration, and fertilizer use are assessed. • High density, short rotation treatments for poplar production produce the optimal tradeoff. • Poplar ET exceeds original land ET in summer months, decreasing streamflows by up to 50% • Soil water deficit increases biomass production by 4% on average. Growing demand for biomass-derived fuels has resulted in an increase in bioenergy projects in recent years, a trend that is expected to continue. However, broad expansion of bioenergy feedstock production may have significant environmental consequences. Accordingly, the goal of this study is to investigate how forest-based bioenergy development may affect hydrological systems at the watershed scale. Specifically, this study addresses hybrid poplar cultivation for biofuel production in a snow-dominated watershed in northern Wisconsin, USA. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), calibrated and validated for streamflow and biomass production cycles, is used to evaluate the effects of land use change corresponding to a range of biofuel development scenarios. The biofuel scenarios follow physically-based rules for land use conversion to poplar plantations from hay, pasture, and forested lands; along with a suite of alternative management practices, including rotation time, planting density, fertilizer application and irrigation. Trade-offs between biomass production, fertilizer use, and hydrologic alteration are evaluated for the feedstock production system. The highest density (1111 trees/100 m2) and shortest rotation (5-year) treatments produce the highest biomass and are the most efficient treatments in terms of water and fertilizer use per ton of biomass. The high efficiency is due to optimal relationships between leaf area index, biomass production, and N uptake. At annual or greater time scales, the simulated conversion to poplar had minimal effect on ET and streamflows. However, in summer months, the ET from the poplar substantially exceeds that of the original land use, so that streamflows decrease by as much as 50%. Irrigation to meet soil water deficits increased biomass production, but only by 4% on average, which is not surprising for a temperate, humid watershed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economic benefit of transgenic crops for producers in developing countries remains a matter of concern and controversy. Only a few studies have taken into account differences between producers to understand the variable effects of transgenic crops, particularly in the case of Bt cotton incorporating Bacillus thuringiensis genes for resistance to certain cotton pests. Our assessment study deals with Burkina Faso where the large-scale release of Bt cotton occurred in 2009, and was then suspended in 2016. It addresses the cultivation practices of producers, in farms differentiated by their level of ox-drawn equipment, on the first year of Bt cotton large adoption and dissemination of recommendations for an adapted insecticide protection. We found that Bt cotton increased yields, but to a lesser extent than expected; moreover, an increase in profitability was only observed in farms with a good ox-drawn equipment (the healthiest ones), but not for the others representing 58% of all farms. This is the result of worst-off producers' strategies, consisting in reducing cash expenses in fertilizers and insecticide, which were further exacerbated by the high price of Bt cottonseeds. The case study points out that the early impacts of a new technology depend on its price and on taking into account, or not, the behaviour of the poorest producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water shortage continues to threaten the productivity of rapeseed in China dry-land planting system of china. There is an urgent need to build up efficient water saving management practices. Therefore, the field experiment was conducted by using a randomized complete black design with three replications under two cultivation practices: RF: ridge-furrow rainwater collection system, and CP: conventional flat planting; with four different mulching materials, such as plastic film mulching (PM); biodegradable film mulching (BM); straw mulch (SM) and no mulch (NM) were used in this study. We found that under different mulching materials, cultivation practices have a considerable effect on rainwater collection and improvement of soil water storage. Under the RF-PM and RF-BM treatments can considerably improve rapeseed photosynthesis (P n , 54.1%), ETR (50.9%), Φ psII (38.4%), the maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm, 8.9%), Fv/Fo (25.7%) and Fv/Fm′ (26.1%), at the bolting, flowering and seed filling stage. These enhancements were attributed to the significant increase in soil water storage, total chlorophyll ab (59.4%), and chlorophyll stability index, as well as the decrease in evapotranspiration (ET, 3.9%), all of which improved water use efficiency (WUE, 28.0%), cuticular wax composition, grain yield (25.2%) and economic return (10459 Yuan ha−1) of rapeseed. These results showed that the RF planting practice using PM mulching materials is the best water-saving management practice to improve rapeseed photosynthesis, fluorescence, cuticular wax composition, WUE, and productivity in dry-land agricultural systems. • The RF planting practice combined with PM or BM mulching materials improved soil water storage and rapeseed production. • Under the ridge-furrow method with PM or BM mulching materials significantly increased the photosynthesis and grain yield. • The RF-PM and RF-BM treatments have significantly improved chlorophyll fluorescence, PSII photochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyprus has a long tradition in grape cultivation and wine making and grapevine is important for the sustainability of the agricultural sector, like in other Mediterranean areas. Water scarcity, which is projected to increase due to climate change, could negatively affect the sector. In this research, the effects of irrigation and tillage treatments on various aspects of vine growth and product quality (e.g., yield, physiology and quality attributes), were studied in Chardonnay and Xynisteri cultivars grown in clay soils in Cyprus. Regarding soil properties and water content, N and K were more abundant in the soil than P and through the growing period irrigation tended to increase electrical conductivity (EC) in the soil. Soil water content (volumetric) was 22%–27.5% and 13%–16%, when irrigation was applied or not, respectively. Vegetative soil cover occupied 50%–55% of the surface and contained species typically present in Mediterranean farms (e.g., Poaceae, Fabaceae and Brassicaceae). Tillage increased yield in Xynisteri (4–5 kg plant−1) but negatively affected other parameters such as chlorophyll levels (in Xynisteri). In combination with irrigation, tillage increased antioxidant activity in Chardonnay (assessed by FRAP and DPPH), at harvest. Total phenolics at harvest were higher in the grape juice of Xynisteri, compared to Chardonnay (30–40 and 20–25 mg GA g−1 fresh weight, respectively). Irrigation influenced phytohormone levels in the two cultivars. ABA increased in non-irrigated Xynisteri, reflecting an increased capacity to react towards water stress. Water stress is considered to increase polyphenols in grapes, but in the case of Xynisteri it seems that irrigation water is required to obtain better quality grapes as without irrigation volumetric water content (VWC) is close to the permanent wilting point. Titratable acidity and total tannins decreased in Chardonnay, when tillage and irrigation were applied. In addition, tillage and irrigation tended to elevate the pH of the grape juice. Tillage and irrigation on the other hand, had no effect on the levels of ascorbic acid and total anthocyanin content. The results of this research may help to select management strategies that support the adaptation of viticulture to climate change in Cyprus and other Mediterranean areas.